Bump resistant hanger for hanging objects on a wall

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall includes a bracket including a first end segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end segment and the second end segment. The intermediate hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the intermediate hang segment. The bracket further includes a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The application relates generally to devices operable to hang an object on a wall and, more specifically, devices for hanging objects, such a pictures, on a wall in a secure but level adjustable manner.

BACKGROUND

Homeowners regularly decorate the walls of interior rooms of their homes. Paintings and pictures are typically framed works of art with the former many times being applied to a canvas or similar item. Various types of hanging devices are known, including sawtooth hangers. A typical sawtooth hanger includes an elongated metal bracket with a central hang section between two end sections used for mounting to the picture or other object. The central hang section has a lower edge defined by a plurality of teeth. Each end section includes an opening through which a fastener (e.g., screw or nail) can be placed to secure the bracket to the object to be hung.

The typical sawtooth hanger allows for some level adjustability of the object that is hung (e.g., by varying the sawtooth recess that engages with a wall mounted fastener). However, if the object is bumped vertically upward, the sawtooth may disengage from the head of the fastener. If the object is moved to far to the left or right relative to the wall mounted fastener (e.g., by bumping or during attempt to move and level the object on the wall), the sawtooth may be disengaged from the head of the wall mounted fastener.

Accordingly, there is a need for a sawtooth type hanging apparatus that addresses one or more of the foregoing limitations.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on a wall includes a bracket including a first end segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end segment and the second end segment. The intermediate hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the intermediate hang segment. The bracket further includes a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.

In another aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on a wall includes a bracket defining a lateral hang slot having an upper edge, wherein the upper edge of the lateral hang slot includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the lateral hang slot includes a lower edge running along at least part of a lateral length of the lateral hang slot, and wherein a lateral length of the lower edge is at least forty percent of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot.

In another aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on a wall includes a bracket including a hang segment running laterally, wherein the hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the hang segment. The bracket further includes a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.

In a further aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising a bracket including: a mount portion comprising first mount segment and a second mount segment having respective mount surfaces that lie in a common plane; a hang portion comprising a first end segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein the intermediate hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge for engaging on a wall mount structure and defining a laterally running hang zone, a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone; and a first extension segment running from the first mount segment to the hang portion, and a second extension segment running from the second mount segment to the hang portion, so as to space the intermediate segment of the hang portion away from the common plane.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a hang bracket;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bracket;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the bracket′

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the bracket;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the bracket mounted to a picture frame and supported on a fastener extending from a wall;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows another bracket configuration;

FIG. 8 shows another bracket configuration;

FIG. 9 shows another bracket configuration;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show another bracket configuration with exemplary fasteners;

FIG. 11 shows another bracket configuration with a hook; and

FIGS. 12A and 12B show another possible hook useable with the brackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of a sawtooth-type apparatus 10 for supporting an object on a wall takes the form of a bracket 12 with opposite lateral end segments 14 and 16 and an intermediate hang segment 18 running laterally between the end segments. Here, the end segments 14 and 16 are each L-shaped (in top plan view), with respective mount segments 14 a and 16 a and respective extension segments 14 b and 16 b. Each mount segment 14 a and 16 a includes a respective opening 14 c and 16 c through which a fastener 17 can be passed to engage the bracket onto an object to be mounted (e.g., onto a rear surface of one rail or leg 22 of a picture frame per FIGS. 5 and 6). The mount segments 14 a and 16 a lie in a common plane for such mounting purpose, and the intermediate segment 18 is offset from that common plane so as to space the intermediate segment 18 away from the frame leg 22, creating a space 24 that can receive part of a wall mount structure, such as the head 26 a of a fastener 26 that protrudes from a wall 28.

The intermediate hang segment 18 includes an upper edge 30 and a lower edge 32, wherein the lower edge 32 includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth 34 and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses 36. The teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of 38 the intermediate hang segment. It is recognized that the exact configuration of the teeth and recesses could vary, such as angular, curved or squared. The bracket further includes opposite side segments 40 and 42 extending downward at respective sides of the hang zone 38. These side segments 40 and 42 extend downward a sufficient extent such that they are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket 12 relative to a fastener or other wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone 38. The side segments 40 and 42 present an obstacle to excessive lateral shifting because, as the bracket moves laterally, the fastener will eventually contact the edge of the side segment and prevent further lateral shifting of the bracket.

The bracket 12 also includes a lower segment 50 running laterally from the side segment 40 and spaced below a lateral portion 52 of the hang zone 38, such that the lower segment 50 is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket 12 relative to fastener or other wall mount structure engaged with the lateral portion 52 of the hang zone. The lower segment 50 presents an obstacle to excessive upward shifting because, as the bracket moves vertically, the fastener engaged in lateral portion 52 will eventually contact the upper edge 53 of the lower segment 50 and prevent further vertical shifting of the bracket 12. The bracket 12 also includes a lower segment 54 running laterally from the side segment 42 and spaced below a lateral portion 56 of the hang zone 38, such that the lower segment 54 is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket 12 relative to fastener or other wall mount structure engaged with the lateral portion 56 of the hang zone. The lower segment 54 presents an obstacle to excessive upward shifting because, as the bracket moves vertically, the fastener engaged in lateral portion 56 will eventually contact the upper edge 55 of the lower segment 54 and prevent further vertical shifting of the bracket 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower segments 50 and 54 are arranged in a common plane with the intermediate hang segment 18, embodiments with a depthwise offset between the lower segments 50, 54 and the intermediate hang segment 18 are contemplated and, in such embodiments, the lower segments 50, 54 would still be considered to be below the hang zone 38.

Each lower segment 50 and 54 has a respective free end 60 and 62. The free ends 60 and 62 are spaced laterally from each other to provide an upwardly running fastener/wall mount structure entry channel 64 up into the hang zone 38. Each lower segment 50 and 54 includes a respective lower edge 66 and 68 that angles upwardly toward the channel 64 for guiding a fastener or other wall mount structure into the wall mount structure entry channel (e.g., as the bracket is moved downwardly onto the fastener or other wall mount structure).

The hang zone has a lateral length L38. In the illustrated embodiment, a width W of the slot 64 is no more than thirty percent of the lateral length L38 of the hang zone (e.g., no more than twenty-five percent of the lateral length). This relative dimension provides for good vertical bump resistance across a majority of the lateral hang zone. However, variations are possible, such as the width W of the slot 64 being as much 50-55% of the lateral length of the lateral hang zone.

The intermediate segment 18, side segments 40 and 42 and lower segments 50 and 52 together surround and define a lateral bracket slot 70, where the lower edge of intermediate segment 18 forms the upper edge of the slot 70 and the upper edges 53 and 55 of the lower segments 50 and 52 form the lower edge of the slot 70. In the illustrated embodiment, a combined lateral length (L53+L55) of the lower edges (excluding the width of the channel 64) is at least sixty percent of the lateral length L38 of the lateral hang slot 70. Again, this relative dimension provides for good vertical bump resistance across a majority of the lateral hang zone or slot. However, embodiments in which the combined lateral length of the lower edges (excluding the width of the channel 64) is smaller are possible, such as where the width of the channel makes up as much as 50-55% of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot. Thus, a combined lateral length (L53+L55) of the lower edges (excluding the width of the channel 64) may be at least forty percent or forty-five of the lateral length L38 of the lateral hang slot 70.

In embodiments, a height H70 of the slot 70 is sized to prevent the head of a fastener from being pulled out of the slot (e.g., in a downward direction on the page in FIG. 5). Stated differently, a diameter of the head of the fastener used with the hang bracket can be larger than the height H&0 of the slot for such purpose. For example, where #8 screw is used, the height H70 may be made smaller than 0.262 inches or, where a #6 screw is used, the height H70 may be made smaller than 0.312 inches. The same relative sizing could be applied to the width W of the entry channel (e.g., where #8 screw is used, the height H70 may be made smaller than 0.262 inches or, where a #6 screw is used, the height H70 may be made smaller than 0.312 inches). A kit may be packaged together for sale, by including in the package a bracket 12 and a fastener 26 (or fasteners) with head diameter larger than the bracket slot height. The kit could also include fasteners 17 for securing the bracket to an item to be hung.

Thus, the described bracket 12 advantageously provides a sawtooth hang bracket that is resistant to disengagement from a fastener due to vertical shifting and/or lateral shifting if the object to which the bracket is attached is bumped. Other bracket configurations to achieve this advantage are also possible.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary bracket 12′ in which the upper portion of the slot 70′ is defined by an intermediate segment 18′ similar to segment 18 above, but the bottom of the slot 70′ is defined almost entirely by a single lateral segment 50′, causing the entry channel 64′ to be located toward one lateral end of the slot 70′. Again, the width of the entry channel 64′ may be no more than 30% (e.g., no more than 25%) of the lateral length of the hang zone 38′. A length of the lower edge of the slot 70′ (excluding the width of the channel 64′) is at least forty percent, such as at least sixty percent, of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot 70′.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary bracket 12″ that is intended to engage the underside of the picture frame rail or leg 22″, rather than the rear side.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary bracket 12′″ in which the entry channel 64′ is bounded at its lower side by a loop section 80 that defines a space 82 large enough to receive the head of a fastener.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show another bracket 12″″ with different types of possible fasteners, including a double-headed nail 90, a screw 92 and a double headed screw 94.

FIG. 11 shows another bracket 12-5 engageable with the hook portion 96 of a wall anchor as the wall mount structure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an alternative wall hook 75 that could be used with the various sawtooth style brackets.

It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible. For example, brackets that do not include the lower lateral segments (e.g., without 50 and 54) are also possible. The number of teeth and recesses could vary from that illustrated in the embodiments (e.g., the teeth and recesses do not have to extend across the entire lateral length of the channel. Embodiments in which no teeth or recesses are present are also possible. A mountable object formed by an object surface (e.g., 22) and any apparatus described above is also disclosed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a bracket including a first end segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein the intermediate hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the intermediate hang segment, wherein the bracket further includes a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a first lower segment running laterally from the first side segment and spaced below a lateral portion of the hang zone, wherein the first lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the lateral portion of the hang zone.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein bracket includes a second lower segment running laterally from the second side segment and spaced below a second lateral portion of the hang zone, wherein the second lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the second lateral portion of the hang zone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first lower segment has a free end and the second lower segment has a free end, wherein the free end of the first lower segment is spaced laterally from the free end of the second lower segment to provide an upwardly running wall mount structure entry channel to the hang zone.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first lower segment includes a lower edge that angles upwardly toward the wall mount structure entry channel for guiding a wall mount structure into the wall mount structure entry channel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second lower segment includes a lower edge that angles upwardly toward the wall mount structure entry channel for guiding a wall mount structure into the wall mount structure entry channel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hang zone has a lateral length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel is no more than sixty percent of the lateral length.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hang zone has a lateral length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel is no more than thirty percent.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a lower segment running laterally below the hang zone, wherein the lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a lateral portion of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above the lower segment.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lower segment includes a free end, and the bracket includes a wall mount structure entry channel to the hang zone, wherein the wall mount structure entry channel is adjacent the free end.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the hang zone has a lateral length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel is no more than thirty percent of the lateral length.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes at least one lower segment running laterally below the hang zone to define a lateral bracket slot below the hang zone, wherein the at least one lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a lateral portion of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above the at least one lower segment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracket defines an upwardly running wall mount structure entry channel to the lateral bracket slot.
 14. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a bracket defining a lateral hang slot having an upper edge, wherein the upper edge of the lateral hang slot includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the lateral hang slot includes a lower edge running along at least part of a lateral length of the lateral hang slot, wherein a lateral length of the lower edge is at least forty percent of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lateral length of the lower edge is at least sixty percent of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lower edge of the hang slot includes a gap therein that defines a wall mount structure entry channel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lateral length of the lower edge, excluding a width of the wall mount structure entry channel, is at least seventy percent of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot.
 18. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a bracket including a hang segment running laterally, wherein the hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the hang segment, wherein the bracket further includes a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bracket includes at least one lower segment running laterally below the hang zone to define a lateral bracket slot below the hang zone, wherein the at least one lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a lateral portion of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above the at least one lower segment.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bracket defines an upwardly running wall mount structure entry channel to the lateral bracket slot.
 21. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a bracket including: a mount portion comprising first mount segment and a second mount segment having respective mount surfaces that lie in a common plane; a hang portion comprising a first end segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein the intermediate hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge for engaging on a wall mount structure and defining a laterally running hang zone, a first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone; a first extension segment running from the first mount segment to the hang portion, and a second extension segment running from the second mount segment to the hang portion, so as to space the intermediate segment of the hang portion away from the common plane. 